Abstract
The conducted research was aimed at constructing equations of selection index that would be used in the selection of the Holstein-Friesian breed animals in Serbia. The construction of the selection index includes the most important milk traits observed in standard lactation: milk yield (MY305), milk fat content (% MF305) and protein content (% MP305). The variance and covariance necessary for the construction of selection index are calculated using the mixed model by the method of least squares. The economic value of traits is expressed as a ratio of relative changes in costs per unit of traits included in the selection index. Livestock included in the research produced, in the first standard lactation, an average of 7681 kg of milk with 3.58% milk fat and 3.28% protein. The equation of the selection index presented in the paper is selected from the group of equations of selection index, as an equation with the highest correlation between the equation and the aggregate genotype, which amounted to 0.2156.
Highlights
Breeding domestic animals is a very complex zootechnical procedure both in terms of objectives to be achieved and in the methods used
The selection index was used for the first time in the selection of plants, whereas Hazel and Lush (1942) were the first to use this method in the selection of domestic animals
Livestock included in the research had, in standard lactation, an average production of 7681 kg of milk with 3.58% milk fat and 3.28% protein
Summary
Breeding domestic animals is a very complex zootechnical procedure both in terms of objectives to be achieved and in the methods used. A large number of participants are involved in this business, ranging from breeders, basic, regional and national breeding organizations, centres for artificial insemination, professional and scientific organizations and universities, who define breeding objectives in accordance with the breeding program (Stanojevic et al 2015). In designing the breeding programs, selection objectives are defined which involve a larger number of traits that affect the economic efficiency of cattle production. One of the most efficient ways for the assessment of breeding values for a larger number of traits is the use of the selection index (Sölkner et al, 2000). The selection index was used for the first time in the selection of plants, whereas Hazel and Lush (1942) were the first to use this method in the selection of domestic animals
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